Virgil Van Dijk was sent off during the Netherlands’ clash with Hungary - but Liverpool fans appeared to rejoice.
During the UEFA Nations League clash, the Netherlands slipped behind against Hungary when Roland Sallai opened the scoring just after half an hour. The Dutch side was dominant but struggled to unlock their stubborn opponents when Van Dijk was dismissed.
The center-back was shown a yellow card in the 76th minute but was beaten to a through ball by Kevin Csoboth. The forward knocked the ball forward as Van Dijk clipped his legs, taking out Csoboth and leaving the referee no choice but to give the Dutchman his marching orders.
Van Dijk was sent off, receiving the first red card at international level. The 33-year-old will miss the Netherlands’ clash with Germany before returning to Liverpool duty - and Reds fans are pleased he will receive extra rest.
“Van Dijk red card but on the bright side he will have good rest before the coming fixtures,” Claire (@xiclaire_) posted on X. Another fan, Romz (@Romme1andre), pointed out how Van Dijk will now return fully rested to face Chelsea, writing: “Van Dijk gets a full weeks rest ahead of Chelsea.”
Finally, Nguginho (@KenyanSc0user) posted: “Van Dijk getting a red means he gets to rest for the next game and will be fully fit for the Chelsea game.”
Just minutes after Van Dijk was dismissed, the Netherlands found an equalizer when Cody Gakpo whipped in an inviting free kick that was headed into the back of the net by Denzel Dumfries. The Inter Milan fullback had taken over the captain’s armband with Van Dijk off, and he certainly stepped up.
Van Dijk has served as captain for club and country for some time now. Speaking to the Premier League 's official YouTube channel, he outlined his pride in leading the Reds, saying: “Over the years, I've worn the captaincy armband. I was first captain when Jordan Henderson and James Milner were still around. To be wearing the captain's armband was always a special feeling. Leading out the boys was a special feeling whether it was European games or league or cup games.
“But when I was named the actual captain, that's special. For me personally, to be the captain of Holland and Liverpool it's what dreams are made of, I think. I would've never thought [about] that when I was younger, which makes it maybe even more beautiful. I'm really blessed.
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“First and foremost, pressure is a privilege. You should embrace it and you should enjoy it. I think that at a club like Liverpool, it's absolutely normal. The fans and the outside world expect you to always be at your absolute best.
“It doesn't matter if you play every three days, or whatever happens before that, you have to turn up and that's something I enjoy. But that's why I also signed for the club — I want to be the best each and every game. I want to get the maximum out of myself, and that's something I really enjoy. I embrace it, make the most of it, and enjoy it as well.”
The Netherlands are second in League A Group 3, sitting two behind Germany. However, the Oranje remain three points clear of Hungary following the 1-1 draw. Van Dijk will return to Liverpool action when the Premier League leaders take on fourth-placed Chelsea at Anfield on Sunday, Oct. 20.
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